My NO SOCIAL MEDIA 6 MONTH UPDATE / the benefits of getting “unplugged” , healthy phone habits

I filmed a video in February, sharing why I had suddenly decided to chuck my social media, (outside of continuing to creat content here on KZbin.)
It’s been over 6 months since I tossed my instagram, KZbin, most podcasts, Facebook, and Pinterest out the window.
All I can say is that I thought I’d miss it, and I DON’T!
In todays video I share an update, how it’s gone, what some of the surprising benefits have been, as well as some really healthy habits I’ve established when it comes to healthy phone usage.
I hope this video gives you some ideas.
So many hugs!!!
Sara
❤️ The video from February, WHY I AM LEAVING SOCIAL MEDIA:
• GETTING RID OF SOCIAL ...
Connect with me at [e-mail]
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[@cadencehogge8528]

YES! Everyone should try at least two months completely off social media to assess their dependency on it and reevaluate whether they REALLY want to engage in it.

[@BecauseitMatters]

Yes!!!:) good thought. ❤️

[@jylfearn4840]

I agree 100%!! My husband and I got rid of IG and FB 6 years ago. My young daughter was starting to see how much it meant to me by the time I spent on my phone and she started asking me how many likes our photo got. It woke me up to the reality of the example I was setting. I still have the temptation to waste time in other ways (like watching KZbin now 😆) but I try to follow people of faith and encouragement that I can glean wisdom from (with time limits).

[@BecauseitMatters]

Wow! You’re way farther along in how long you’ve been without social media then I am. That’s so cool!!!:)

[@JuliaShalomJordan]

I’ve been off social for about 6 months. Love it so much that I fear I will never go back. It feels so free!!!!!

[@BecauseitMatters]

That is so awesome! Way to go!:) yes!!!!

[@thelmakatherine5396]

I have a difficult time carrying conversations as it is...many times social media has not helped me in that regard because anything I might ask them to share about face to face, they have already shared to the world.

[@BecauseitMatters]

Yes!!! I hate that about social media as well!:)

[@DaisyValdivia]

Yes!! This is exactly how I’ve been feeling lately. I went back on IG after being off for a couple of months and it felt so empty and meaningless. I’m realizing how much time I actually do have when I put down my phone. Going to read Eve in exile next and I’m really excited.

[@malia9883]

This is me. I recently logged back on after being off for four months, and I couldn’t agree with you more.

[@ruthalysse4096]

Highly recommend Eve in Exile!! ❤️❤️

[@BecauseitMatters]

Yes!!:) I know!:) that is so cool!:)

[@vintagebeliever5023]

I am so proud of you!! I am working on it 😊 That breaks my heart to see parents more into their phone than their children. I see it at parks. Children are only little for a short time. 🥺

[@BecauseitMatters]

That is so heartbreaking!

[@HabitsofaHomemaker]

Such a great topic and reflection! I definitely agree, and actually plan to do a video sharing my heart about social media as well. I love how you approached this. Thank you for sharing ❤️🥰.

[@BecauseitMatters]

Thank you so much!:)

[@k74728]

I deleted my Instagram account two weeks ago, and I’m already feeling benefits! My self esteem is already getting higher. And I don’t have to worry so much about trends or the news. I feel a lot less performative! Not that I was a fake person before, but there’s just a lot less pressure to echo what everyone else is saying. I bought a guitar and I’m teaching myself to play. I’m also going to dive into my book collection! It’s been kind of nice to be bored.

[@BecauseitMatters]

Oh this is so wonderful! Good for you!:) I love what you said about being bored- boredom is a sign of too much extra time and that is so awesome that you are now filling that space with new skills and reading! Super sweet!:) ❤️

[@gratefultobehere]

WONDERFUL message! God bless you with more and more peace in your authentic living and loving your family and friends. I feel that your story will touch on many age groups and inspire more in your generation to consider lessening their attention focus on social media and redirecting it to those right in their midst. Some people have this all figured out maybe and learned how to balance, but for me I have had to back off for months or years at a time and just have one connection online (i.e., youtube) and let go of the rest. I have had to consider for myself, "If I took the same amount of time in prayer, Bible study, exercise, meeting in real face to face moments...how would my life be different?" and the answer: "I'm healthier, make better choices, can be there for others (including myself)" ---- it's always good to take time and self-reflect if the path we are on is indeed the right one. I'm encouraged by your testimony:)

[@BecauseitMatters]

Thank you for sharing this! I loved the question you ask yourself. Very good! ❤️

[@cierra9520]

I love your motivation🥰 I agree every since I left social media, I been more stable mentally also at peace and it has been so refreshing to my soul🙌🏾

[@BecauseitMatters]

Yes! Me as well!:)

[@HerCupOfSIMPLE]

Hi Sara!! You look so rested and radiant! Thank you for all the encouragement we find here!

[@BecauseitMatters]

Awe, thank you so much!!:)

[@featherslettersandseeds414]

I love this video, specifically the results that inspired the video. Thank you for sharing.

[@BecauseitMatters]

Thank you:)

[@luxe_body]

I really really needed this video. I feel guilty as it resonates so much with me. I am going to change this ASAP. This was that Ah ha moment i really needed to see, hear and watch. THANK YOU!! 💖

[@BecauseitMatters]

That is so cool to hear!!!:)

[@HEATHERFREE2486]

I’m so thankful for this video! It’s a prayer answered from God to help me not feel so alone right now In this hard season I’m in ❤️

[@BecauseitMatters]

That makes me so happy to hear! ❤️

[@sherrylew519]

Hi Sara, this is very inspiring and although I do not have a phone I need to do this with You Tube! Thank you for spurring us on to a better life! Keep on keeping on!!

[@BecauseitMatters]

Thank you so much!:)

[@chaiajohnson6310]

This is something I have been really struggling with lately!! And my experience is the same as yours!!! I just started weaning off my phone!!! I wish we lived closer and could get together. My out look on life is much the same as yours and I loved this video!!

[@BecauseitMatters]

It is a struggle for sure! Awe, yes!:) ❤️

[@shegivesglory8430]

I love this. ❤️ Thank you for sharing

[@BecauseitMatters]

Thank you:)

[@EE-hi4re]

Good for you for taking your life (and your mind!) back. I quit a long time ago.

[@BecauseitMatters]

Awesome! So awesome!:)

[@Susan.I]

I believe you are correct in doing the best thing for yourself!

[@BecauseitMatters]

Thank you:) I do as well.

[@Joyfulmamaof2]

Thank you for sharing this!!

[@BecauseitMatters]

My pleasure! Thank you:)

[@danielleandreasen]

Loved the video. I'm inspired to let go of my social media accounts, they really don't ass much to my life. Thanks

[@BecauseitMatters]

That is wonderful!:)

[@lenafreeze7131]

These are soo ok good, I’ve been working on this in my life a lot lately too! I love your tip on reading books instead. I love to learn and the internet is just so convenient and easy way to do that but I know this would be a great way to fill that and not spend that time on my phone.

[@BecauseitMatters]

Yes, I can totally relate with you!:)

[@jenniferherb5212]

Well done! Your life will continue to be blessed if you keep it up!

[@BecauseitMatters]

Thank you:)

[@TheBeautyMage]

Your hair is goals... so cute curls!

[@BecauseitMatters]

Thank you so much!:)

[@james-r]

In theory nobody knows the true people living an offline life, they’re simply living their life. So what is your purpose for setting up a KZbin channel and being a ‘creator’? Would you be able to delete, switch off all online activities and still live your life?

[@BecauseitMatters]

Great question and one I’ve asked myself. Would my life look the same, would I do the same things I enjoy now if I didn’t have KZbin? And my answer is yes, in fact I would probably do more. I have aimed to be very intentional with what I create here. It’s not to merely entertain or waste time watching another video, my goal is to encourage, inspire and motivate other women in the journey of homemaking and motherhood. If I do that than I consider this channel a success:)

[@gplourdes]

Hi! Just subscribed to your channel. Looking forward to future videos. Lately, am more particular about what channels I watch and subscribe to. Has been helpful mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I've had my phone on "Do Not Disturb" for months now. I don't hear the constant notification sounds. I ck for messages a couple of times a day. And...Facebook and I broke up. Besides being concerned about my privacy and how that was being handled, I just didn't like how I felt most times (longings, reminders, comparisons, etc.). All this is still a work in progress. Still ck texts far too often and stream far too much. Am prayerfully deciding what is useful and necessary vs what wastes/devours my time with senseless/mindless activities. Your video was encouraging and helpful. Thank you. I, too, want to start my day with devotions/quiet/prayer time vs ck'g devices or streaming news (minimizing that, too). Blessings to you and your family.

[@BecauseitMatters]

This is so neat to hear!:) keep up the hard work!:)

[@girltalkbeauty]

Omg I agree with being on the phone and when the kids come I get aggravated. I'm changing that about myself it's not fair to them

[@BecauseitMatters]

Yes! I hate that as well!

[@shadowsatmidnight]

If you ever get chance to revisit this topic again, id love to know how or if you take photos of your babies and how often ect. That's the one thing I find hardest with my phone. I want to not use it, but I just love having the photo memories of our days, yet I know id be more mindful and present if I stopped. We often have "no tech days" and we put our phones away and we got rid of our tv as my new years resolution.... however I struggle with depression and for me I guess it helps me revisit and see how I am playing with them and spending time with them. I would LOVE to know how you approach/think of photos though. Thankyou for another lovely inspiring video

[@BecauseitMatters]

Awe, to be honest I am not the best with taking consistent photos. I feel a little bad. I have so many pictures of our first daughter and very few of our second. Most of the photos I have of them are actually on my camera which is nice because it kind of keeps internet and picture taking separate. But I am not the best at that topic… ❤️😂

[@BarbaraAnnB-yi5ew]

I went off Facebook in 2016 and never looked back. I went on Instagram recently and got annoyed by all the ads and affiliate links. I took a break and when I went back on I was like, oh okay. Not missing much

[@BecauseitMatters]

Yes!!!!:)

[@baus7]

Love this, and I too, hope to be Social Media free soon. Where did you get the green bowl? It's beautiful!

[@BecauseitMatters]

It’s a Pioneer Woman dish:)

[@perksofasimplelife6621]

everything you said i can totally relate too

[@BecauseitMatters]

Awe. ❤️

[@keisha2870]

I need / want to do this. I have recognized within myself that I have become too codependent with media. I am trying to build micro-steps - the first was leaving certain Facebook groups. My next is to leave more groups and stop frequenting Reddit groups.

[@BecauseitMatters]

Way to go!!!:)

[@mercifullove8246]

You Go Girl let God lead you away as he is leading me also

[@BecauseitMatters]

Thank you:)

[@lindseyvannett5563]

Hi Sara! I would love to know what podcasts you are listening to? I need some knew inspiration!

[@lindseyvannett5563]

Oh and book ideas too!

[@mrskhan597]

@@lindseyvannett5563 Same. Would love to know that too

[@lindseyvannett5563]

I just saw my typo 🤦🏼‍♀️NEW inspiration; not knew

[@BecauseitMatters]

Of course!:) As for the podcasts that I enjoy, here are a couple: Bible Thinker by Mike Winger I love this one because Mike really dives into a lot of theology and Bible study type stuff. He addresses a lot of issues, does q and a’s, and lots of deep dives into different topics. Cross Examined by Frank Turek This guy is my very favorite apologist. He is incredibly smart, but really breaks things down so it’s easy to understand and gives great reasons for Christianity. Farmhouse on Boone I confess, I don’t listen to this lady a ton, but if you are looking for some practical homemaking inspiration and advice, I would encourage her or Homemaker Chic. The last one is called Now that We’re a Family It addresses marriage, family, and business, and is just all around very enjoyable to listen to. Anyway, I hope that gives you some ideas.

[@lindseyvannett5563]

@@BecauseitMatters thank you so much! I have listened to some of Mike Winger’s KZbin videos. Maybe I’ll try the podcast. These are all great ideas! Thanks so much for the thorough response. Very helpful!

[@e.krams7777]

Hey Sarah, I have an android so it might work different but how did you actually delete the apps off your phone? Iv tried before to no avail! Thanks so much!

[@BecauseitMatters]

Oh boy, I’m so sorry, I don’t actually know because I have an iPhone. Maybe google it:)

[@BarbaraAnnB-yi5ew]

So you are young and I assume grew up with the technology and social.media. I am about 10 years older than you and did not grow.up with these things. I can say life is better without. And yes, I do think social media has ruined this society, relationships, people's intelligence, and how we speak/communicate.

[@BecauseitMatters]

I agree with you!:) thankfully my mom really realized the hazards of social media and so I was around 17 before I was allowed to have any social media. I do not regret that at all!:)